Do you know what the word “integrating” means? I would like to tell you a story about how I have been integrating into my community here in Switzerland. Have you ever had to integrate into a new community? What did that feel like to you?
Guess what? I am living with a host family in St. Prex, Switzerland. I live with a host mom, Maria; a host Dad, Dan; and two host brothers, Luca and George. Luca is younger. He is 14 years old. George is older. He is 21 years old. I also have a small little host dog, Angel who is a Chihuahua.
A couple of weeks before coming to Switzerland, I was very nervous to meet my host family. I spoke with my host mom on the telephone about two weeks before coming to Switzerland. I asked her basic questions about house rules, laundry and the cost of things in Switzerland. I was very nervous that we would not get along, or that they would not like me. My culture is so different from theirs. Would I be able to adapt to my new host family and environment?
I am very happy to say now that I proved myself wrong! All of my doubts and insecurities have gone away. My host family is beyond sweet. I feel very welcomed at home. At first, when I arrived, I found myself being very shy. I was afraid to make conversation with them for fear of bothering them.
